Town’s tribute to fallen serviceman Jordan Rossi is vandalised just days before fifth anniversary of his death

A memorial plaque to fallen soldier Jordan Rossi – the first Bradford serviceman to die in Afghanistan – has been desecrated by vandals and its poignant message gouged and scratched with a knife point.

The deliberate attack was noticed by one of Sapper Rossi’s friends – only days from the fifth anniversary of his death on May 23, 2009, when the 22-year-old, of Baildon, was killed in a roadside blast while clearing mines near Sangin, Helmand Province.

Police Community Support Officer Luke Carson was a close friend of Sapper Rossi from their days as pupils at Titus Salt School and he told how he spotted the deep scratches defacing the brass plaque on a bench beside Baildon’s famous stone stocks in the town centre.

“I noticed someone had defaced the plaque and obviously, I was deeply affected by what had been done,” said PCSO Carson yesterday.

“Jordan and I were in the same class at school and he was a close friend.”

Former Royal Marine Ric Coulson is Sapper Rossi’s cousin and said whoever was responsible had caused further pain to his family.

“It’s a disgusting and hurtful thing to have done,” said Mr Coulson, now a cancer charity fundraiser.

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“I was just back from Sangin for six weeks when Jordan was killed and now we’re coming up to a very poignant time of five years since it happened.

“However, our Remembrance Day is every day and that plaque was there to honour someone who gave their life for their country.

“It’s just disrespect.”

Roger L’Amie, chairman of the British Legion’s Baildon branch, also condemned whoever was responsible.

“I sadly regret such mindless vandalism of something in recognition of a brave young man who gave his life so others might live in freedom,” said Councillor L’Amie, the designated new Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford.

“This is a thoughtless abuse of that freedom and the perpetrators should consider the effect on family and friends and reflect upon it.”

PCSO Carson won approval from Sapper Rossi’s parents, who are too upset to comment about the vandalism, for an online campaign to raise money for a replacement plaque.

He said: “I put a picture of it on Facebook so my and Jordan’s friends could see what had happened.

“Then I decided something had to be done so I organised a donation page and within 24 hours I’d raised £235.

“My target had only been £100 to replace the plaque and so I closed the site and donated £135 to Help For Heroes.

“I’ve arranged for a new plaque and will replace it myself.”

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Mr Coulson thanked all those who had given cash to make good the damage so quickly.

“It shows people’s love and appreciation for those who gave their lives for their country,” he said.

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Comments (13)

Town’s tribute to fallen serviceman Jordan Rossi is vandalised just days before fifth anniversary of his death

OLDLAD says...8:33am Thu 22 May 14

Morons who have no idea. I walked the walk maybe they should to understand.

Morons who have no idea. I walked the walk maybe they should to understand.OLDLAD

Morons who have no idea. I walked the walk maybe they should to understand.

Score: 12

taleoftruth says...8:44am Thu 22 May 14

What's disrespectful is a Conservative Councillor going against the families wishes and promoting a story in the paper that will cause them further distress! Some people really will do anything to win a few extra votes on polling day.

What's disrespectful is a Conservative Councillor going against the families wishes and promoting a story in the paper that will cause them further distress! Some people really will do anything to win a few extra votes on polling day.taleoftruth

What's disrespectful is a Conservative Councillor going against the families wishes and promoting a story in the paper that will cause them further distress! Some people really will do anything to win a few extra votes on polling day.

Score: 4

Dragon Saddle says...8:58am Thu 22 May 14

taleoftruth wrote…

What's disrespectful is a Conservative Councillor going against the families wishes and promoting a story in the paper that will cause them further distress! Some people really will do anything to win a few extra votes on polling day.

Mrs Rossi asked for this to remain low key. The Conservatives are just as bad as the vandals.

[quote][p][bold]taleoftruth[/bold] wrote:
What's disrespectful is a Conservative Councillor going against the families wishes and promoting a story in the paper that will cause them further distress! Some people really will do anything to win a few extra votes on polling day.[/p][/quote]Mrs Rossi asked for this to remain low key. The Conservatives are just as bad as the vandals.Dragon Saddle

taleoftruth wrote…

What's disrespectful is a Conservative Councillor going against the families wishes and promoting a story in the paper that will cause them further distress! Some people really will do anything to win a few extra votes on polling day.

Mrs Rossi asked for this to remain low key. The Conservatives are just as bad as the vandals.

Score: 9

son123 says...10:41am Thu 22 May 14

How heartbreaking. My bros best mate. Shared the same birthday as my daughter and some sick little get have done this. Rip Jordan hun. Hope the catch the sickos x x x

How heartbreaking. My bros best mate. Shared the same birthday as my daughter and some sick little get have done this. Rip Jordan hun. Hope the catch the sickos x x xson123

How heartbreaking. My bros best mate. Shared the same birthday as my daughter and some sick little get have done this. Rip Jordan hun. Hope the catch the sickos x x x

Score: 8

jackw says...12:47pm Thu 22 May 14

They should give them national service

They should give them national servicejackw

They should give them national service

Score: 3

r1ch&rd says...12:58pm Thu 22 May 14

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations.
Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.r1ch&rd

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

Score: 9

BertSanders says...1:23pm Thu 22 May 14

A disgrace - two policemn were at the Polling Station today- a further indication of Bradfords apparent demise. It seemed very ulike a usual British Election, probably because the real locals just dont care.

A disgrace - two policemn were at the Polling Station today- a further indication of Bradfords apparent demise. It seemed very ulike a usual British Election, probably because the real locals just dont care.BertSanders

A disgrace - two policemn were at the Polling Station today- a further indication of Bradfords apparent demise. It seemed very ulike a usual British Election, probably because the real locals just dont care.

Score: -10

Julie 65 says...4:34pm Thu 22 May 14

We must all remember that the type of people who do this sort of thing are nobody's . They have very little going on upstairs and will never amount to anything. At least this young man died a hero and will always be remembered for his actions. I really don,t think we will ever have the same thoughts for the simpleton (village idiot) that did this. They will never amount to anything it's' just shame we have to put up with this type of behaviour - what a loser.

We must all remember that the type of people who do this sort of thing are nobody's . They have very little going on upstairs and will never amount to anything. At least this young man died a hero and will always be remembered for his actions. I really don,t think we will ever have the same thoughts for the simpleton (village idiot) that did this. They will never amount to anything it's' just shame we have to put up with this type of behaviour - what a loser.Julie 65

We must all remember that the type of people who do this sort of thing are nobody's . They have very little going on upstairs and will never amount to anything. At least this young man died a hero and will always be remembered for his actions. I really don,t think we will ever have the same thoughts for the simpleton (village idiot) that did this. They will never amount to anything it's' just shame we have to put up with this type of behaviour - what a loser.

Score: 4

Not so simple says...6:48pm Thu 22 May 14

Sickening and disgraceful behaviour that should not be tolerated. Those that did this should be bought to justice under treason laws. Also this should not be given the publicity that it has recieved via local media and politicians...copy cat crimes like this occur after publicity..

Sickening and disgraceful behaviour that should not be tolerated. Those that did this should be bought to justice under treason laws. Also this should not be given the publicity that it has recieved via local media and politicians...copy cat crimes like this occur after publicity..Not so simple

Sickening and disgraceful behaviour that should not be tolerated. Those that did this should be bought to justice under treason laws. Also this should not be given the publicity that it has recieved via local media and politicians...copy cat crimes like this occur after publicity..

Score: 0

justjustice says...12:28am Fri 23 May 14

r1ch&rd wrote…

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!

[quote][p][bold]r1ch&rd[/bold] wrote:
National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations.
Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.[/p][/quote]They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.
They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering!
I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!justjustice

r1ch&rd wrote…

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!

Score: 0

ivegate says...2:32am Fri 23 May 14

justjustice wrote…

r1ch&rd wrote…

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!

Ditto above, and i am 100% certain that Mr/Mrs justice will agree with me that all british nationals should keep out of the Syria conflict. I am ashamed of the British nationals that have gone over to Syria to fight in a civil war that is nothing to do with Great Britain. Keep up the good BIGOT.

[quote][p][bold]justjustice[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]r1ch&rd[/bold] wrote: National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.[/p][/quote]They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no![/p][/quote]Ditto above, and i am 100% certain that Mr/Mrs justice will agree with me that all british nationals should keep out of the Syria conflict.
I am ashamed of the British nationals that have gone over to Syria to fight in a civil war that is nothing to do with Great Britain.
Keep up the good BIGOT.ivegate

justjustice wrote…

r1ch&rd wrote…

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!

Ditto above, and i am 100% certain that Mr/Mrs justice will agree with me that all british nationals should keep out of the Syria conflict. I am ashamed of the British nationals that have gone over to Syria to fight in a civil war that is nothing to do with Great Britain. Keep up the good BIGOT.

Score: 0

ivegate says...2:39am Fri 23 May 14

ivegate wrote…

justjustice wrote…

r1ch&rd wrote…

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!

Ditto above, and i am 100% certain that Mr/Mrs justice will agree with me that all british nationals should keep out of the Syria conflict. I am ashamed of the British nationals that have gone over to Syria to fight in a civil war that is nothing to do with Great Britain. Keep up the good BIGOT.

Good work

[quote][p][bold]ivegate[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]justjustice[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]r1ch&rd[/bold] wrote: National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.[/p][/quote]They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no![/p][/quote]Ditto above, and i am 100% certain that Mr/Mrs justice will agree with me that all british nationals should keep out of the Syria conflict. I am ashamed of the British nationals that have gone over to Syria to fight in a civil war that is nothing to do with Great Britain. Keep up the good BIGOT.[/p][/quote]Good workivegate

ivegate wrote…

justjustice wrote…

r1ch&rd wrote…

National Service too good for them, name em shame em and pack em off to boot camp. Our heroes should be the inspiration to young and old alike, just as the old WW1 and WW2 veterans have been to many generations. Hats off to all those in the forces, with us and sadly gone - heroes one and all.

They should be, but I have to say I was ashamed that none of them came forward to oppose the deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They werent our wars, we had nothing to do with them; it was the PM doing what the US president wanted. Our soldiers did not have to die for the sake of American "democracy", aka warmongering! I tend to stay away from the Help the Heroes charity raisers, real heroes would have said no!

Ditto above, and i am 100% certain that Mr/Mrs justice will agree with me that all british nationals should keep out of the Syria conflict. I am ashamed of the British nationals that have gone over to Syria to fight in a civil war that is nothing to do with Great Britain. Keep up the good BIGOT.

Good work

Score: 0

Apollo says...11:33am Fri 23 May 14

I see the anti-war brigade have jumped on the back of this story - they are as much a disgrace as those who vandalised the bench in the frst place. Shame on them scoring cheap political points.

I see the anti-war brigade have jumped on the back of this story - they are as much a disgrace as those who vandalised the bench in the frst place.
Shame on them scoring cheap political points.Apollo

I see the anti-war brigade have jumped on the back of this story - they are as much a disgrace as those who vandalised the bench in the frst place. Shame on them scoring cheap political points.

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